Senior SCADA & Automation Engineer 1 - Grid

Sargent & Lundy•Wilmington, DE

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

As an Automation Engineer in Sargent & Lundy’s Electric Grid Infrastructure Services business unit, you will plan, engineer, and design SCADA and communications systems for client projects. The work supports operational requirements and emerging applications such as Smart Grid, substation and distribution automation, battery energy storage, and microgrid controllers. You will develop system designs and documentation, configure and test automation and network equipment, troubleshoot communications, and coordinate with clients, suppliers, project managers, and other engineers. The position also includes mentoring less experienced engineers and may require travel to client and vendor offices. The role has a hybrid arrangement: three days a week in the office and two days working remotely. A relocation package may be available depending on location. Sargent & Lundy supports the use of technology and digital tools, including automation and AI where relevant. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools. The company describes its benefits as comprehensive and highlights healthcare, paid time off, and work-life balance.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience designing, configuring, implementing, and troubleshooting substation SCADA and communications systems.
Experience with SEL, Novatech, and GE RTUs and software.
Basic understanding of LAN/WAN devices and topology.
Knowledge of DNP, Modbus, SEL, and IEC 61850 (MMS/Goose) protocols over serial and IP-based connections.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Ability and willingness to travel up to 30%.
U.S. work authorization sponsorship is not provided for this position.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications, or Computer Systems Engineering.
Experience with communications troubleshooting software or hardware, such as ASE Test Set and Wireshark.
Protective relay settings experience with SEL, GE, ABB, or similar systems.
Radio communications experience.
Network design credentials and applied knowledge of IP/MPLS.
Proficiency with Microsoft Project and Visio.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Familiarity with NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards and cybersecurity.
CISSP certification.
Interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to the role; experience with AI, automation, or programming is valued but not required unless specified elsewhere.

Responsibilities

Plan, engineer, and design SCADA and communications systems for client projects, including Smart Grid, substation and distribution automation, battery energy storage, and microgrid applications.
Develop communication block diagrams, panel layouts and bills of material, SCADA AC and DC schematics, fiber detail drawings, and network drawings.
Review and provide design input on protection and control drawings to address SCADA system requirements.
Develop point lists for data transferred between RTUs, IEDs, and master station connections.
Configure Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), including SEL RTAC, Novatech OrionLX, SMP Gateway, and GE-D20 systems.
Configure programmable automation controllers (PACs), including SEL-2440 and SEL-2411 systems.
Program HMI applications using tools such as SEL Diagram Builder, Inkscape, and Wonderware.
Coordinate with relay settings engineers to develop or review communication port settings for protection relays, meters, and other IEDs.
Develop configurations for network devices such as switches, routers, and firewalls.
Troubleshoot SCADA network and communications systems remotely and onsite as required.
Develop SCADA system and network documentation for projects.
Develop automation tools, such as Python tools, to improve project efficiency.
Stage, configure, and test integrated system designs in the Protection, Automation & Telecommunication Laboratory for interoperability and performance consistent with predictive models.
Ensure strict adherence to NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards.
Coordinate with and provide guidance to engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers to ensure complete and timely designs.
Share knowledge with experienced engineers through peer learning and Communities of Practice.
Mentor and support the development of less experienced engineers.
Travel to client and vendor offices as needed.